Green tourism in the Emirates…the beauty of nature under the umbrella of sustainability

The UAE has succeeded in overcoming many natural and geographical challenges, overcoming dry environmental conditions, and transforming vast desert areas into lush oases and extended gardens, in conjunction with qualitative development in sustainable infrastructure, until the country has become one of the most prominent global tourist destinations, and has reserved its destinations throughout the area of ​​the Emirates. As an attractive place in the field of green tourism.

In this regard, the UAE, thanks to the directives of its wise leadership, has paid great attention to developing green and environmental tourism as they are among the basic pillars in enhancing the sustainability of tourism in the country while preserving the natural and cultural heritage, and supporting the competitiveness of tourist destinations, supported by many pioneering environmental initiatives and sustainable future strategies. Which would highlight the value of responsible tourism, enhance the culture of sustainable dealing with the environment, and spread green tourism concepts that fully take into account the current and future economic, social and environmental impacts..

In order to consolidate these concepts at the societal level, the Ministry of Economy launched the fifth edition of the Most Beautiful Winter in the World campaign under the slogan “Green Tourism”, in cooperation with the National Agricultural Center and local tourism bodies in the country, with the aim of encouraging community participation in sustainable agricultural practices, and stimulating visits. Tourism to farms and agricultural projects in the seven emirates, within the framework of the domestic tourism strategy in the country launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, “may God protect him”, which aims to develop a system Integrated tourism at the state level.

The concept of “green tourism”, which is being adopted by the campaign for the most beautiful winter in the world during this session, constitutes a cultural tributary to community environmental awareness, through which the innovative combination of enjoying the beauty of pristine nature and lush gardens in the Emirates is evident, combined with controls on sustainability and preserving the environment and natural treasures for generations, to become tourism experiences. Winter in the country is an opportunity to spread environmental awareness, highlight environmental tourist attractions and green areas, get magically close to natural pieces of art without harming them, and explore unique natural and historical treasures and various tourism products including A wide range of diverse sites in the Emirates, including islands, beaches, gardens, farms, desert and mountain sites, biodiversity sites, natural reserves, and other charming destinations..

In addition to what this concept of green tourism represents in the process of strengthening the UAE’s position as a global tourist destination, combining rich cultural heritage, charming nature, and advanced infrastructure, with an emphasis on highlighting the priority of the agricultural sector in the country, and great attention to environmental sustainability, protecting natural resources, and promoting innovation in Tourism sector.

In order to consolidate the priority and importance of the concept of green tourism in society, the UAE worked to approve a legislative and legal system that enhances the sustainability of natural resources and the protection of biodiversity habitats. It also supported the achievement of a sustainability system in several sectors, enhanced the processes of transition towards a green economy, and reduced rates of desertification and pollution..

The UAE was keen to confirm its leadership in the field of celebrating the treasures of nature, and to introduce many destinations that fit the United Nations definition of green or environmental tourism. According to the international definition of this concept, it means all forms of nature-based tourism in which the main motivation for tourists is to observe… Appreciation of nature, in addition to the traditional cultures prevailing in natural areas, also contains educational features, as well as its role in reducing negative impacts on the natural, social and cultural environment, while preserving natural areas that are used as environmental tourism attractions by increasing awareness about Preserving natural and cultural assets, both among local residents and tourists.

In line with this, the UAE has adopted pioneering future trends at the global level that focus on responsible tourism and sustainability, and consolidating this culture in local tourist destinations, while giving priority to innovation and digital transformation in this sector to increase revenues and growth, enhance opportunities for small and medium-sized companies, and employ and develop advanced technology applications to enhance The state’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions, which contributes to achieving the state’s goals for climate neutrality by 2050, and achieving sustainable economic development..

Thanks to the forward-looking vision, the country succeeded in consolidating the main components of the tourism sector’s growth, as it ranked first regionally and 18th globally in the 2024 Travel and Tourism Development Index issued by the World Economic Forum, achieving an advance of 7 places compared to 25th place globally in the year 2019, achieving results Positively, it reflects the country’s leading position on the global tourism and travel map, and enhances reaching the goals of the “National Tourism Strategy 2031”, which aims to To raise the UAE’s position as the best tourism identity around the world by the next decade.

Natural reserves in the Emirates stand out as one of the most attractive eco-tourism destinations for visitors, as they work to enhance biological diversity and maintain environmental balance. The country also hosts natural reserves, representing about 15.53% of the total area of ​​the country. These natural reserves are divided into marine reserves, representing about 12.01% of the total area of ​​the country. Marine and coastal areas and terrestrial reserves represent 18.4% of the terrestrial areas in the country.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment also launched a national project targeting interest and promotion of eco-tourism in the Emirates under the name “Nature’s Treasures in the Emirates”, which is a phased system to promote the components of eco-tourism in the Emirates..

The authorities concerned with the tourism sector at the state level took the initiative to launch initiatives that promote green eco-tourism and concepts of sustainability. The Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi launched 3 initiatives that enhance sustainability in the tourism sector and enable partners to apply sustainable practices in their work. These initiatives include new guidelines for tourism sustainability in sector, and the carbon emissions measurement system for hotels in Abu Dhabi to estimate the carbon footprint they leave, and audit the energy consumption of all hotels in the emirate, as these initiatives embody the department’s commitment to protecting Abu Dhabi’s resources. And its cultural assets and environment for future generations, ensuring that tourists continue to enjoy the cultural and tourism offerings and unique attractions that the emirate offers during the coming years..

The Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai also launched 50 pioneering initiatives in preserving the environment and sustainability within its tourism system, whether they are desert reserves, restaurants, hotel facilities, or tourist attractions that preserve the environment, in addition to awareness and cultural activities concerned with this field..

The “Dubai Initiative” initiative, launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, in February 2022, aims to raise awareness among various segments of society about the importance of preserving our natural resources, as well as inspire them to bring about the change required for some… Wrong practices that lead to severe damage to the surrounding environment to be active partners in creating a more sustainable future, and to contribute positively to preserving wildlife and marine life..

The “Dubai Sustainable Tourism” initiative also requires hotels to adhere to nineteen standards that cover various requirements, including sustainable management, performance measures, and training of employees and guests on sustainability. By improving sustainability processes within their facilities, hotels will work to enhance the competitiveness of Dubai’s economy, while These requirements are consistent with Dubai’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions, which aims to reduce the carbon footprint.

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority was keen to implement environmentally friendly practices, establish sustainability policies in the tourism sector, and intelligent use of resources to achieve the idea of ​​environmentally friendly green tourism to consolidate the positive effects of tourism..